After Brendan Rodgers’ Reds rounded off their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 win against Swindon Town, Ben Twelves picks a number of discussion topics from victory.

Liverpool wrapped up their preparations for the upcoming campaign with a decent performance and victory against Swindon.

Christian Benteke fired the Reds ahead with a stunning debut goal just after half time, before Swindon equalised through Jonathan Obika’s curling effort.

Sheyi Ojo netted the Reds’ winner four minutes from time with help from U21s ‘keeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who played on trial for the Robbins, to hand Liverpool a second victory in as many days.

The League One side provided good opposition for the rest of Rodgers’ squad ahead of the season opener in less than a week, and here are the talking points from a positive afternoon at the County Ground.

The German made his first appearance of pre-season in Wiltshere, where he turned in a strong performance in the Liverpool midfield.

Can returned to the Reds starting XI full of confidence after an excellent Under-21s European Championship, and it showed in a dominant performance on and off the ball in a three and two man partnership.

Emre Can has to start next week. Was very pro Lucas playing alongside Henderson and Milner, but Can is just a monster.

The German powerhouse produced a couple of his trademark unstoppable marauding runs, and he frequently joined in developing attacking play while also instigating some moves from deep in midfield alongside Lucas Leiva.

His passing was tidy and crisp and he went close with two well struck efforts first half, but it was his energy and dynamism that sparked injection into the Reds transitions from defence to attack that really caught the eye.

It was a very polished all-round performance from Can, who Rodgers must find a place in his starting XI for.

Christian Benteke Nets Wonder Goal but Still Work To Do

The big Belgian opened his Reds account in spectacular fashion at the County Ground but showed there is still plenty of improving to do.

For a large part of his 67 minutes on the pitch, Benteke was very much on the fringes of the action, despite netting with a sensational volley, with his forward movement at times too static.

Benteke provided a good springboard for attacks to be created off on occasions as he dropped to link with the attacking midfield, but when play was developing behind him, opportunities to create were passed up due to a lack of forward movement from the new arrival.

Rodgers: It was a really good fitness exercise and Christian Benteke’s goal was amazing, whether it’s in a friendly or elsewhere.

Alongside dropping deep, he pulled wide well too which allowed Firmino to run untracked from midfield and receive possession in dangerous areas, but when the focal point, he offered a limited presence which hindered play in and around the box at times.

The Belgium international saw a second goal ruled out for offside and missed a sitter as he provided a welcome presence in the box, but while overall is was a positive debut there’s work ahead to do.

Roberto Firmino Shows Signs of Things to Come

Making his Reds bow at a sun-drenched County Ground, Roberto Firmino impressed hugely on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilian slotted in seamlessly from the off – conducting acting play from wide and centrally immediately – and it took him no time at all to display why Rodgers parted with £29million to bring him to Anfield.

Instantly he showed his attacking intent and desire to run behind, and almost grabbed his first Reds goal in the opening two minutes by doing so after latching onto Lucas’ pass over the top in which he was brought down and should have won a penalty.

His touch, movement and distribution was immaculate throughout and in a fluid attacking system, and he was central to everything the Reds did going forward, especially in a brilliant first 45.

Alongside his work on the ball, the 23-year-old caught the eye with his work-rate and pressing – something which saw him carve a clear cut chance for Christian Benteke, who produced a weak finish from Firmino’s cut back after he robbed possession.

It was a really exciting first 67 minutes from Firmino and the Brazil international showed exactly what he will bring to the Liverpool side this season.

The Portuguese play-maker has had limited action in pre-season, and he made up for lost time with an eye-catching display on Sunday.

Replacing Joe Allen after 13 minutes, Teixeira – occupying a role on the left of Liverpool’s attack – produced a good display with his creation in advanced areas a real positive feature of the Reds offensive performance.

He almost broke the deadlock with a superb strike first half; a period which saw him produce some lovely interchanging football with fellow attacking midfielders Firmino and Lazar Markovic, before he set-up Benteke for the striker’s superb opening goal.

The 22-year-old linked well numerous times down the left with Alberto Moreno too, and he proved a tough customer to deal with for the Swindon backline when drifting inside, with his intricacy and control in and around the box which saw him carve out a number of opportunities.

It was an excellent performance from the Portugal U21 international and he provided Rodgers with another reminder of his talents.

Ryan Kent Catches Attention with Excellent Cameo Display

The talented teenager may only have been on for the final 23 minutes, but he wasted no time in making his mark with an excellent cameo display.

Replacing Firmino in attacking midfield, the lively Kent, who was full of confidence, immediately caught the eye as he impacted the game from the second he entered proceedings.

The 18-year-old created much excitement with his pace and dribbling, but his control and one-and-two touch game really impressed, as he looked to play both the creator and finisher – though he was denied finding the net when he was fouled when through on goal.

Kent displayed some superb technical play in tight areas, but also showed his awareness with some sublime first time passing, and an outstanding dummy from Teixiera’s pass that allowed Moreno a chance which the Spaniard should have done better with.

It was a very promising display from Kent, who showed that he can become another one for the future at Anfield.

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An unconvincing display from the talented Serb, who struggled to get into the game.

His decision-making let him down a number of times, and a couple of finishes were poor. One even went off for a throw-in.

Roberto Firmino: 6.5

Liverpool have clearly signed a very talented footballer in Firmino, and despite not being at his best, he showed plenty of quality.

The former Hoffenheim star linked up well with fellow new signing Christian Benteke, and oozed class with the ball at his feet. Faded as the match went on; unsurprising considering it was his first game back.

Christian Benteke: 7

Benteke marked his Liverpool debut with a magnificent strike, on an afternoon where he will surely have silenced a few of his doubters.

His pace, strength and movement were impressive throughout, although he did miss one glorious chance in either half. Promising.

After a goalless first half, Christian Benteke spun on the edge of the box and fired a wicked volley in past Swindon trialist goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

Benteke was starting his first game in a Liverpool shirt, alongside Brazilian Roberto Firmino, who looked lively and eager to impress — particularly in the first half.

After Swindon’s Jonathan Obika equalised, Sheyi Ojo scored a late winner with the unfortunate help of a goalkeeping error as Brendan Rodgers’ men ended pre-season on a high.

There was bad news, however, as Joe Allen was taken off injured during the first half. Rodgers confirmed after the game, “Allen’s injury looks like his hamstring, so that doesn’t look good.”

But the Reds manager will be happy overall at how his side have conducted themselves during pre-season — Sunday’s win at Swindon being another good fitness exercise just one week before the start of the Premier League campaign.

Here’s the best of the photos from the County Ground, courtesy of Propaganda Photo.

The Belgian international was starting his first game for the Reds when, three minutes into the second half, he chested the ball down on the edge of the area, spun and volleyed in past Lawrence Vigouroux in the Swindon goal.

The £32.5 million signing from Aston Villa will be hoping he’s done enough at the County Ground to convince Brendan Rodgers he’s fit enough to start against Stoke City when Liverpool’s Premier League campaign gets underway next Sunday.

Fellow new signing Roberto Firmino also started against Swindon, as well as Emre Can, playing his first game of pre-season for the Reds following his involvement at the U21 European Championships earlier this summer.

It is Liverpool’s final friendly of the summer, and second of the weekend after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over HJK Helsinki in Finland.

Swindon Town vs. Liverpool is live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO. Our live coverage updates automatically and is brought to you by Karl Matchett, have your say on Twitter using @thisisanfield and @karlmatchett.

Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino make their first appearances in Liverpool shirts on Sunday afternoon as Brendan Rodgers‘ side take on Swindon Town in their final pre-season friendly of the summer at the County Ground.

The Reds are unbeaten in pre-season and today’s game comes less than 24 hours after a comfortable 2-0 victory over HJK Helsinki in Finland.

The only player to potentially be involved in both games is Pedro Chirivella, who was a late substite in Helsinki, but Emre Can makes his first appearance of the summer after missing the tours of Asia and Australia due to international commitments.

There’s a run out for first team regulars Alberto Moreno, Mamadou Sakho, Lucas Leiva, Lazar Markovic and Joe Allen, whilst youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold and new signing Adam Bogdan also start.

Come back to This Is Anfield shortly before kick-off at 4pm (UK) for live commentary and updates. You can download our iPhone/Android app here or follow @thisisanfield on Twitter here: Follow @thisisanfield

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“As a striker, it was very difficult to play this team. But, tactically, the coach found the solutions and in the end we won 2-0, so it’s nice.

“I think I’ve started well and I’ve had to adapt to the rhythm, because in England the rhythm is very high. I was happy to score and I’m confident for the rest of the season.

“The most important thing was to adapt to the rhythm and the players – I’ve had to give 200 per cent in every training session but I’m learning every day and now it’s paying off.”

Liverpool kick-off their Premier League campaign at Stoke City on Sunday, 9th August and Origi believes with the final preparations, the team will be ready for the challenges the new season will bring.

“With the new guys coming in, we have a very strong squad,” he added. “Everybody is sharp and we’re ready for Stoke.

“We’re ready for a very good season, the mentality is very good, we’re very tight as a group and now we have to show it on the field.”

Origi isn’t expected to feature, but Liverpool play their final pre-season friendly of the summer at League One’s Swindon Town on Sunday at 4pm. Read the match preview here.

Liverpool head to League One side Swindon for the final friendly clash of their pre-season schedule as the Reds finish off their preparations for the new season.

The match against the Football League side is the second of a rare double header this weekend for Rodgers’ squad, who strolled to a routine 2-0 win against HJK Helsinki under 24 hours ago.

Another strong looking Reds squad is likely to travel to Wiltshire for Sunday afternoon, and it’s the last chance for the remainder of the group to impress Rodgers against Mark Cooper’s side, ahead of next week’s opener.

Liverpool have won four and drawn one of five warm-up clashes this season so far and will want to end the pre-season campaign unbeaten – something which will help build confidence ahead of the big kick-off.

Cooper’s side have endured a testing pre-season schedule, having come up against Premier League opposition three times already.

The Robins have lost all three clashes against their top flight opposition though, suffering a 4-0 defeat against Everton, a 2-0 loss at the hands of Aston Villa and another heavy defeat, this time by a 4-1 score-line against West Brom last weekend.

Sunday’s clash against the Reds will also be the last friendly fixture in anticipation for the looming campaign for the Robins, who like Liverpool, will be hopeful of ending their season warm-up schedule in positive fashion.

The trip to the County Ground will be Liverpool’s first since August 1993, when the Reds romped to a 5-0 thrashing in the Premier League, thanks to goals from Neil Ruddock, Ronnie Whelan, Mike Marsh and a brace from Steve McManaman.

Cooper’s young squad boasts a number of Liverpool links, with the most recent coming with his loan captures of Reds youngsters Kevin Stewart and Jordan Williams, who could line up to face their Anfield teammates.

The loaned duo could be joined in the Town starting XI by ex-Liverpool academy ‘keeper Tyrell Belford and central midfielder Anton Rodgers, son of the Liverpool manager.

The Robins’ boss likes to utilise a 3-5-2 shape – the formation that took his side to a Wembley play-off final last season – and Swindon could line up in that set-up for the clash.

Team News & Starting XI

Brendan Rodgers chose to split his squad across the two games; a wise move which allows first team options the chance to enjoy a large amount of action.

However, the majority of those expected to form the Reds starting XI played in the 2-0 win in Helsinki, meaning those playing in this fixture have the chance to stake their claim for a starting shirt and provide food for thought for the Reds boss.

Liverpool look set to take a strong looking group to the County Ground, with Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho and Alberto Moreno all options to play in defence.

Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Emre Can were all left out of the trip to Finland so could form a midfield three, and a strong looking Reds attack could see Lazar Markovic joined by new arrivals Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke who are set to make their first Reds outings.

Rodgers confirms that Benteke and Firmino will play some part in the game v Swindon tomorrow. #LFC

However, despite also being left at Melwood, frozen out trio Jose Enrique, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli, who have been training away from the squad as they’re shown clearly they have no future at Anfield, will be left out of involvement again.

Rodgers lined his side up in his preferred 4-3-3 formation for the second half of Saturday’s win, and the Reds boss is likely to do the same in Wiltshire to keep preparations for the looming start consistent throughout the squad.

With the personnel at Rodgers’ disposal for the clash, within a 4-3-3 shape, the Reds starting XI could look something like this come kick-off time tomorrow:

The final friendly clash of the 2015/16 schedule will be shown live on LFC TV, with kick-off coming at 4pm.

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Following the Reds’ comfortable 2-0 victory against the Finnish Champions, Ben Twelves picks a number of discussion topics from the penultimate warm up clash.

Liverpool extended their unbeaten pre-season run with a controlled performance and easy 2-0 success over HJK Helsinki on Saturday.

After a largely uneventful opening 72 minutes, second-half substitute Divock Origi put the Reds ahead with his second pre-season goal, before Philippe Coutinho, on his return to action, cemented victory five minutes later with a deflected effort.

It was another productive workout for Rodgers’ men, but also showed there is still work to be done ahead of next weekend’s kick-off.

Here are the talking points from the clash.

Danny Ings Impresses Despite Harsh Luck In Front of Goal

Though the new signing failed to do what all strikers want and register on the scoresheet, it was far from a disappointing performance.

The 22-year-old – spearheading the attack with Origi in reserve – showed a whole host of promising signs during the encounter despite failing to find the net.

Ings could have done better with a couple of opportunities including from Jordon Ibe’s cut-back, with his touch deserting him at another, but he was unlucky too with a couple of instinctive efforts, including a glancing header across goal from Jordan Henderson’s free-kick.

He failed to find the net before being replaced, but Ings’ movement in and around the box really caught the eye as he provided a mobile outlet in attack, where his tidiness in possession – especially in tight areas – was impressive.

He also worked hard out of possession pressing from the front, and his unselfishness alongside the positives of his game will undoubtedly have pleased Rodgers, with the only thing missing from his performance being a goal.

It was the Brazilian’s first match time with the first team of the summer, and he typically impressed, grabbing the match-clinching goal.

There were – as expected – moments of rustiness for Coutinho, with final passes off key at times, but there were far more moments of class than sloppiness from the 23-year-old on his first game back.

Typically creative and tidy, the Brazilian worked well with his close control, dribbling, feints and jinks in and around the box making it almost impossible for HJK to take the ball from his grasp.

Only a couple of over hit and underweighted passes prevented the Reds enjoying more clear-cut chances, but Coutinho, after a couple of speculative attempts, found his range late on, when his curling effort found the far corner of the net.

Ings: Philippe Coutinho is something else — it’s going to be great to play with him.

The Liverpool manager made a return to the unsuccessful formation in the first half in Helsinki, and it once again proved an uninspiring move.

With energetic duo Henderson and James Milner anchoring midfield and Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Jordon Ibe in support of Ings, the Reds endured a flat first half with little attacking threat in the system.

Though Rodgers’ side controlled the game, Liverpool lacked energy from the middle of the park with Henderson and Milner both restricted in their forward running, with the onus then falling on Coutinho to supply Ings who largely fed off scraps in a frustrating first 45.

With Ibe and Lallana very much on the periphery of the game – despite the teenagers’ best efforts to create – the Reds struggled for attacking fluency and to create clear chances; epitomised by Coutinho’s speculative 40 yard strike with little else on.

Rodgers: "The game was a good workout for us. Our fluency was much better in the second half. It was another good game for our fitness."

Second-half, the more settled Reds played with more purpose and fluency – as Rodgers acknowledged post-match – no doubt aided by the scrapping of the rigid 4-2-3-1 and switch to the regularly utilised 4-3-3. It paid dividends as two goals arrived.

4-2-3-1 did nothing to help Liverpool impress last season and with the same happening in Helsinki, and Rodgers must avoid using the system this season.

Jordon Ibe Impresses Again with Man of the Match Display

It was a flat penultimate friendly fixture in Finland, but the eye-catching display of the talented teenager helped light up proceedings.

Impressing again in the preparations for the new season, Ibe turned in another strong display playing on the right of the Reds attack, where he proved too hot to handle for the HJK left side.

Full of confidence and visibly so, Ibe drove at the Finnish back line time and again, leaving his marker for dead on occasions and giving him the run around numerous times.

Jordan Ibe was yet again our best player today!been by far the outstanding player from the pre season games!

Final delivery and decision making was at times lacking from the 18-year-old, but any negatives were far outweighed by the positives of his performance, with his pace, power and trickery providing Liverpool’s biggest threat.

And another good performance saw Ibe claim an assist for Origi’s opener – when he breezed effortlessly past his marker before fizzing a dangerous low ball across – which Milner flicked expertly into the Belgian’s path, before he turned and smashed home.

It’s been a brilliant pre-season for the youngster and he has shown his readiness for regular action from the off for the upcoming campaign.

Clean Sheet a Welcome Bonus Following Improved Defensive Display

In a game that Brendan Rodgers labelled as “the toughest of pre-season”, the Reds boss will be pleased by an improved defensive display.

Though helped by the added protection of a two man anchoring midfield first half, the back-line – which could turn out to be the back four that takes to the pitch at Stoke next week – worked better as a unit and dealt positively with any danger.

Apart from two scares from corners which must be collectively improved, and quickly, the Reds defence looked comfortable and in control, with Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren cutting calm, collected figures at the heart of the back four.

Nathaniel Clyne was far from his best but did his job adequately at right back, while Joe Gomez again oozed class on the opposite side with another performance that belied his years.

Though Liverpool’s dominance meant the defence were largely untroubled, the level of concentration and no-nonsense manner in which danger was dealt with was pleasing.

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“We were better in the second half than the first. We tried something new in the first half, but our fluency was really good in the second half and obviously we scored a couple of good goals.

“It was another good workout for us in the last of our pre-season games abroad.”

Liverpool now return to England for their final friendly of the summer against Swindon Town on Sunday (4pm UK), and Rodgers feels with a bit more work his side will be ready for Stoke City in the Premier League next Sunday (9 August).

“Considering all the traveling around the world they’ve been through, the players are in good condition,” he added.

“We still have another week’s good work to do but we’re really focussing on that after the Swindon game.”

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It was more a fitness exercise than anything else, but Brendan Rodgers will be happy that a strong starting XI came through the game unhurt and maintaining their unbeaten record this summer.

After a dull and uninspiring first half Liverpool raised the tempo of their game in the second. Shouts of “Quicker! Quicker!” came from the bench as the Reds pressed Helsinki back.

Danny Ings was replaced by Divock Origi shortly after the hour mark and on 73 minute the Belgian international finally found the breakthrough, putting away Jordon Ibe‘s low cross from the right that had been expertly flicked on by James Milner.

It wasn’t long before Liverpool found themselves 2-0 up — Philippe Coutinho working well with Milner down the left to enter the area. His shot was deflected and Rodgers’ side held on for the win.

It’s likely that none of the players playing in Helsinki will feature in Sunday’s final friendly of the summer at League One Swindon Town (4pm), as Rodgers begins to finalise his team for the opening game of the season at Stoke next Sunday, 9th August.

We’ve rounded up the best photographs from Helsinki, courtesy of Propaganda Photo.

The 18-year-old is set to sign for around £500,000 from Internacional after spending the week training at Melwood with the squad.

Allan has been named among the substitutes for Saturday evening’s penultimate pre-season friendly of the summer against HJK Helsinki. Kick-off is 5.30pm (UK) and there’s live coverage on This Is Anfield from 5.15pm.

Upon announcing the matchday squad, Liverpool FC tweeted:

#LFC have secured Allan for the future and he's currently spending time with the Reds with the permission of his club, Internacional.

Allan was originally linked with a move to Liverpool last month when Andy Hunter of The Guardian reported the Reds’ interest:

“The 18-year-old impressed Liverpool coaches during the Frenz International Cup held in Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur earlier this year, when both the Merseyside and Brazilian clubs’ under-18s teams featured, and talks to bring the player from Porto Alegre to Anfield are under way.

“Allan, as he is more succinctly known, would cost around £500,000 and represents part of a concerted effort by Liverpool to bolster their options at youth level this summer.”

Allan is the third youth signing of the summer for Liverpool after 16-year-old Bobby Adekanye from Barcelona and 17-year-old Brooks Lennon from Real Salt Lake City.

Welcome to Liverpool, Allan

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